Building structure made of standardized components

ABSTRACT

A prefabricated building structure constituted mainly by two orthogonal series of parallel rows of successive plank sections separated by gaps, all the plank sections being of substantially the same length so as to define a square meshed system, the apices of the meshes of which register with the gaps. The system is assembled at ground level with blocks filling the gaps and with horizontal tensioning wires. It is then raised so as to form a coffered ceiling which is covered before its raising by a planking or the like covering means. The ceiling thus formed and held transiently in position is secured definitely in position by walls, partitions or uprights fitted between it and a floor slab.

United States Patent r191 Fatosme et al.

[ 1 July 23, 1974 BUILDING STRUCTURE MADE OF STANDARDIZED COMPONENTS Inventors: Albert Fatosme, 14 rue, des,

Terrasses-l4, Caen; Henri Coste, 3 Place Pireire Pair 170, Paris, both of France Filed: June 1, 1972 Appl. No.: 258,509

Foreign Application Priority Data June 7, 1970 France 70.20428 US. Cl 52/228, 52/234, 52/669, 52/300 Int. Cl. E04c 3/26, E040 5/08 Field of Search 52/227-229, 52/238, 90, 293, 295, 274, 563, 300,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1917 Small 52/563 '5/1940 Muse 52/274 6/1940 Guignon 52/228 9/1954 Berger 52 295 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 405,503 6/1910 France 52/228 1,524,306 4/1968 France 822,607 11/1951 Germany 52/228 Primary Examiner-Henry C. Sutherland Assistant Examiner-James L. Ridgill, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or FirmDarby & Darby [5 7 ABSTRACT A prefabricated building structure constituted mainly by two orthogonal series of parallel rows of successive plank sections separated by gaps, all the plank sections being of substantially the same length so as to define a square meshed system, the apices of the meshes of which register with the gaps. The system is assembled at ground level with blocks filling the gaps and with horizontal tensioning wires. It is then raised so as to form a coffered ceiling which is covered before its raising by a planking or the like covering means. The ceiling thus formed and held transiently in position is secured definitely in position by walls, partitions or uprights fitted between it and a floor slab.

17 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PAIENIEBnzamu MHZ-0P5 will Ell/115% PATENTEB M2 74 "sum 5 BF 5 BUILDING STRUCTURE MADE or STANDARDIZED comounms tainement of a low cost price ascribable to a limitation of the number of premanufactured components, which means a less considerable stock, a reduction in the bulk of said components and in their unitary weight which makes the cost of transportation sink, and an easier erection.

The grade of the structure obtained depends largely on such conditions and our invention has for its primary object a premanufactured structure offering both as to conveniency and to a finished and neat appearance, advantages which were hitherto considered as inconsistent with the low cost price which is sought for.

In the first place, an object of our invention consists in a structure incorporating a framework and ceiling arrangement constituted by a square-meshed system of orthogonal rows of plank sections, all of them same size, which sections are separated by rectangular blocks filling in the joints at the apices of the meshes of the lattice-shaped'system, the whole arrangement being assembled along tensioned metal bars.

Further features may advantageously be associated with such an arrangement.

The framework and ceiling arrangement is erected at ground level and then tensioned after which it is raised to the desired height and held there in position, the auxiliary components such as partitions, walls, posts and the like carrier members being inserted and secured between the floor slab andthe ceiling thus previously positioned.

The plank sections are provided with longitudinal grooves engaged by the metal rods or ties which are guided thereby along at least one of their horizontal, upper and lower, surfaces, the ends of at least some of the metal ties or rods hold the planks fast between them through the agency of spring members which keep the ties in their tensioned condition in spite of possible variations in the size of the planks:

the plank sections are provided along their lower surfaces with grooves in which the upper edges of the partitions are fitted; the surface covering the ceiling, including when required roofing and fluid tight components, is laid and secured to the ceiling structure thus constituted by plank sections; the ceiling-covering surface is erected at ground level and is hoisted up to its desired final position together with the framework and ceiling structure; the partitions carry the upper components and to this end their upper edges are fitted inside the grooves of the plank sections while their lower edges are anchored in the ground; the anchoring of the lower edges of the partitions is executed by means of two bevelled superposed rails;

2 the entire joinery, including the outer joinery is carried by the partitions to which suitable casings are secured for this purpose; the upper parts of the outer walls are secured to the ends of the metal ties or rods adapted to set under tensional stresses the plank sections forming the ceiling structure;

the outer walls are constituted by premanufactured panels the height of which registers with that of a story;

in last-mentioned case, the lower parts of the outer walls are secured to the floor slab by vertical pegs inserted each with the interposition of a packing between the walls and ground;

the outer walls or panels are constituted by a core of rigid insulating material sandwiched between two facings;

the outer walls or panels are premanufactured and are made of concrete while the pegs securing their lower parts to the ground are made of steel and embedded in the ground;

the ceiling structure is assembled on a temporary support which serves thenafter for the hoisting of the structure; said temporary support is constituted by a group of parallel bars the spacing between which is equal to that between the rows of plank sections with which said bars are parallel, said bars being provided, in registry with the crossing points of the rows of plank sections, with lateral lugs, adapted to carry the plank sections extending perpendicularly to the rows of plank sections with which the bars are parallel, and also with straps adapted to be engaged by the metal ties or rods while a number of said bars is associated with hoisting means; the bars of the temporary support rest on the ground through the agency of means adjusting their location as to height and ensuring their horizontality;

the transverse bars associated with the parallel bars already referred to, serve for adjusting their spac' ing and squaring;

the parallel bars first referred to are constituted by easily stacked beams showing a triangular crosssection;

when it has been assembled at ground level, the ceiling structure is raised and held at the final level it is to assume and in the desired longitudinally and transversely defined position by means of removable stays of adjustable height.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating by way of example a preferred embodiment of our invention:

FIG. 1 is a partial diagrammatic plan view of a ceiling structure according to our invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the crossing points of the ceiling structure.

FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view showing the terminal plates in which are anchored the metal rods or ties of the ceiling structure.

FIG. 4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the finished structure according to the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the manner of assembling the parts, together with an embodiment of the temporary support to be used during the assembling procedure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the temporary support used for assembling purposes.

FIG. 7 illustrates the manner of laying in its final position the ceilingstructure.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the distribution of the partitions, facings and joiner.

Turning to FIGS. 1 to 3, it is apparent that the ceiling structure according to the invention includes two rows at'right angles of plank sections 1 which are all of the same length and arranged in checkered relationship forming square meshes, the apices of which are constituted by parallelopipedic blocks 2, the whole arrangement being fitted and assembled over the metal ties or rods 3 which are set in a tensioned condition through the terminal plates 4. There is thus obtained a premanufactured ceiling structure showing a considerable rigidity and which may be assembled at ground level and then raised by one story height. Such a structure thus made of wooden cofferings may be left apparent to view in the finished building, which bestows the latter with a higher grade for a lower cost price. p

During the assembly, the blocks forming the apices of the meshes at the crossing points of the two perpendicular series of plank sections are preferably glued before they are set in position and held fast between the plank sections.

In the example illustrated, the size of the plank sections may be for instance 840 X 200 X 70 mm. and that of the standard intermediate blocks 150 X 70 X 50 mm, so as to form 'after assembling a square mesh of a breadth equal to 900 mm between the axes of the opposite plank sections with an open casing space measuring 830 X 830 mm;

However, the invention may be executed otherwise. For instance, the cross-section of the blocks may be square and equal to that of the plank sections or their thickness may be equal to or higher than that of the plank and their height may be equal to that of the latter. Of course, the sizes mentioned are given solely by way of examples and should not be considered as limitative figures.

Along the edges of the ceiling structure, the crosssections of the blocks 2 are such that their outer facings may register with the bare surfaces of the plank sections.

The plank sections are provided along their upper and lower surfaces with longitudinal grooves 13 engaged by metal ties or rods 3. The depth of said grooves is equal to at least twice the thickness or diameter of the tie, so as to allow the superposition at the crossing points of the longitudinal and transverse ties. They also afford a passageway for electric cables.

Furthermore, the lower surface of the plank sections 1 are provided'with auxiliary grooves the breadth of which is equal to that of the partitions, so as to allow the fitting therein of the upper edges of said partitions. In the areas including no partition, the grooves 10 are concealed by strips.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a terminal plate 4 through which the longitudinal ties 3 may be set in a tensioned condition. The breadth of said plates is larger than the breadth-of the longitudinal plank sections 1 A; said plates bear against the transverse plank sections 1 B and 1 C to which they are secured through the agency of screws 7.

A blade spring 5 is inserted between the terminal plate 4 and the nut 6 screwed over the tie engaging the lower groove in the longitudinal plank section 1 A, so

as to ensure constancy of the tensioning in spite of any possible modification in the relative length of the ties with reference to the plank sections, which modifications are ascribable to modifications in temperature or in the size of the wooden parts. A lug 8 rigid with the plate 4 serves for securing the outer wall auxiliaries as shall be disclosed hereinafter. At the corners of the building further plates or angle bars are provided, which are also rigid with lugs 8 at right angles with each other (FIG. 1). Plates 4 similar to those described are also fitted for the tensioning of the transverse ties.

According to the invention, the ceiling structure forming thus a unit is hoisted through any suitable hoisting means, so as to reach the desired level where it is held fast by retaining means such as temporary stays and cables while the other components of the structure and in particular its carrier members are positioned subsequently between the ground slab and the ceiling structure which has been thus raised up to the desired location.

Preferably, the actual ceiling is incorporated with the ceiling structure before the latter is raised. Said actual ceiling may be constituted as illustrated inFIG. 4 by a sort of planking the elements of which are designed so that its joints 21 register with the'sides of the meshes of the ceiling structure. Said planking is covered by a heat-insulating filling 22, by a fluidtight sheet 23 constituted for instance by two elementary bituminized sheets separated by a sheet of plastics, and by a load of gravel or the like. The edges 24 of the roofing are set in position during this preliminary operation, so that the entire roof is thus prepared at ground level, that is under the best possible conditions, for its assembly before it is hoisted and positioned at the desired level.

The weight-carrying membersto be positioned after the hoisting of the ceiling structure, include preferably, not only the side walls, but also the partitions 9 constituted by panels, the height of which corresponds to that of a story and the breadth of which registers with the breadth of one ceiling mesh. The upperedges of said partitions are fitted inside the auxiliary grooves 10 provided in the lower edges of the plank sections 1. The lower edges of the partitions may be carried for instance by superposed wedges 11 concealed by the washboards 12. The partitions 9 are advantageously solid partitions made for instance of agglomerated wood particles.

As shown in FIG. 4, the outer facings 25 are secured along their upper portions to the lugs 8 rigid with the plates 4. In the example illustrated, the facings 25 are constituted by premanufactured concrete U-shaped elements extending vertically over the height of a story, the flanges of which are reinforced and the web 26 of which is comparatively thin. The webs 26 are provided with holes 27 engaged by securing bolts connecting said facings 25 with the lugs 8, preferably with the interposition of washers 28 adapted to prevent any undesired creeping of said facings 25.

The facings 25 include at their lower ends a flange 29 provided with a vertical hole 30 into which is cast a vertical peg the reinforcing irons 32 of which are held fast inside a peripheral girder 33 resting on the foundations 34 of the building. A packing 31 is inserted between the successive facings 25 and the underlying girder 33.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the breadth of each facing element may be equal to one half the mesh size. The comers of the building are provided with special corner members 83 also secured to the lugs 8 shown at said cornersin FIG. 1 In registry with the location of a door or window recess, one of the flanges of the facing is given a greater length as shown at 86 in FIG. 8.

In the example illustrated, the floor of the building is constituted by a slab of reinforced concrete 35 resting on a bed or platform of compact sand 36 (FIG. 4) lying in its turn over pebble rubble-work 37. The underground energy feeding systems and the heating flues may extend through the compact sand.

Other arrangements such as sanitary sumps or cellars for instance may also be incorporated.

Turning to FIGS. 5 to 8, it is apparent that the framework and ceiling structure is assembled by means of a stand or temporary support constituted mainly by parallel equidistant bars 50 the spacing of which is equal to that of the ceiling components, while transverse and longitudinal ties 5 l, 52 are first inserted in the straps 53 provided for this purpose on the bars 50 in registry with the location of the mesh apices. This being done, the plank sections 55, 54 are laid in position respectively over the bars 50 and over the lugs 56 also provided in registry with the location of the mesh apices, soas to carry the corresponding plank sections throughtheir ends. The blocks 57 at said apices are preferably coated with glue before their insertion at said apices and the upper ties are definitely or temporarily positioned and tensioned. The whole framework and ceiling structure may then be hoisted by raising a number of the bars 50 as provided by any suitable means in the direction of the arrow F.

In the case of FIG. 5, the bars 50 form the upper ridge of beams thecross-section of which is triangular, so that they may be readily stacked after removal of the disconnectable lower stays 58. The adjustment of these beams as to height and horizontality is obtained by operation of the jacks 59 resting on the ground slab which has been previously formed over the girders 61; auxiliary bars 62 ensure the adjustment of the spacing and squaring of the bars 50.

In the modification according to FIG. 6, the auxiliary bars 62 are laid underneath the main bars 50 and serve as bearing members therefor. Said auxiliary bars are controlled in this case by the adjusting jacks 59. The main bars 50 rest on the other hand on uprights 63, rigid with the auxiliary bars and a numberof which are constituted by means cooperating in the hoisting of the entire framework and ceiling structure. Transverse members 64 ensure the stability of the relative position of the different bars 50 during the assembling procedure.

In FIG. 6 and also in FIG. 7, the temporary support or stand includes mainly parallel and equidistant bars 50 the crossing points of which are provided with strpas 53 and with carrier lugs 56. Such stands are easily erected and dismantled and may be easily transferred from one building yard to another.

The framework and ceiling structure thus assembled at ground level forms a rigid unit as provided by the tensioning ties, which unit may be readily hoisted and laid over removable stays such as the stay 70 illustrated in FIG. 7.

The level at which the stays are raised may be adjusted by the jacks 71 so as to position the structure 72 at the desired level and location in vertical registry with the floor slab 73. If required, staying cables can be provided in order to oppose the action of wind if the triangular system of stays is not sufficient for this purpose. This being done, the partitions and outer facings are speedily erected and the stays dismantled. When the partitions and walls have been incorporated with the structure, the ceiling forms for them a compressional slab and the upper ties become unnecessary and may in fact be removed if desired.

Our invention provides thus a premanufactured structure the ground plan of which may be varied as required while its cost price is however very low by reason of its actual constitution and of its easy assembly and furthermore it affords substantial advantages as to appearance and comfort.

It will be remarked after reading the above description, that the framework structure forms an apparent coffered ceiling, which ensured a pleasant appearance to the rooms inside the building.

The solid partitions enhance also the comfort and pleasant appearance, in contradistinction with the usual light partitions which transmit noise and provide an unpleasant feeling of lack of intimacy. Solid partitions are in fact provided not only for separating the inner rooms but also for lining the outer walls.

In the embodiment disclosed, the outer facings are precast concrete parts while an empty space remains between the facings and the partitions with a view to increasing the comfort. These outer facings may be made, as well, of any other material such as wood or plastics. In particular, it is possible according to the invention, to resort to panels constituted by a core or web of rigid insulating sponge material sandwiched between reinforced layers of plastics.

The joinery which may be of any conventional or other type has not been illustrated indetail; it is fitted (FIG. 8) both as concerns the inner joinery and the outer joinery 81 on the solid partitions 82. In fact, FIG. 8 shows the outer facings 84 along the window recesses, which facings differ from the standard facings 85, that is from the facing elements 25 of FIG. 4 through the fact that the lateral flange 86 includes an extension 86 fitted behind the casing 87 of the joinery 80 and associated packing 88.

A further advantage of the structure according to the invention consists in the easy incorporation of various auxiliary systems such as electric leads, heating ducts, sanitary pipes and the like.

The electric leads are fed into the ceiling along the grooves 13 formed in the plank sections as passageways for the lower tensioning ties (FIG. 2). The wires can be guided upwardly along the joinery inside the empty spaces shown in FIG. 8. It is also possible to lay the wires conventionally along the washboards.

The sanitary pipes may readily be secured to the solid partitions, the input and exhaust pipes forming possibly an underground system extending underneath the floor slab. The same may be proposed for the heating pipes and flues, the heat generator being housed inside a chamber formed by one or more meshes of the framework structure.

No ground plan has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings because, starting from the square mesh system of the framework structure, there is a vast possibility of designing differently the arrangement of the premises inside the structure, the choice depending on the programme to be complied with and on the capacity of the architect without the invention limiting said 7 possibility within the scope of .the accompanying claims.

What we claim is:

1. A mesh-type framework and ceiling structure comprising a first plurality of plank sections which are aligned to form a first series of spaced parallel rows, a second plurality of plank sections aligned to form a second series of spaced parallel rows which are generally transverse to the first series of parallel rows of plank sections, the ends of adjacent planks of each of said first and second series of rows of planks being aligned and spaced apart from each other to form a gap at the respective intersections of the first and second rows of plank sections, a block fitted in a respective gap formed at a said intersection, and a respective tie member extending across selected ones of said first and second series of rows outside of the blocks that the respective tie rods cross,-and means for holding said tie members to draw the planks together so that an end of a plank abuts the block in the gap adjacent to it to hold the planks of the respective rows and the blocks in the gaps of said rows in a tensioned condition.

2. A structure as in claim 1 wherein each of the planks of said first and second series of planks are of .the same length to form a squaremesh type structure.

ends of the corresponding rows.

5. A structure as in claim 1 wherein tie members extend across both the upper and lower surfaces of the planks.

6. A structure as in claim 1 wherein said blocks are of a lesser height than the height of said planks.

7. A structure as in claim 6 wherein said tie members extend across both the upper and lower surfaces of the planks on the outside of the upper and lower surfaces I of the blocks.

8. A structure as in claim 1 wherein the lower edges of selected plank sections are provided with longitudinal grooves adapted to receive the upper edges'of partition members.

9. A structure as in claim 1 further comprising means for covering the upper surface defined by the plank sections.

10. A structure as in claim 8, said partition members having upper edges which engage said longitudinal grooves, and means for at least partially anchoring the lower edges of said partition members.

11. A structure as in claim 10 further comprising a pair of spaced rail members secured to the ground between which the lower edges of said partition members are held fast.

12. A structure as in claim 10 further comprising door and window casings secured to the partition members and doors and windows fitted in said casings.

13. A structure as in claim 1 further comprising outer walls, and means for securing the upper portions of said outer walls to the ends of the tie members extending perpendicularly thereto.

14. A structure as in claim 13 wherein said outer walls are formed of premanufactured panels one story high.

15. A structure as in claim 13 wherein said outer walls are each provided with a horizontal lower flange end along its lower edge, means securing the upper ends of said walls to the tie members perpendicular to said walls, a ground slab incorporating outer girders, vertical pegs interconnecting the lower flange ends of the walls with the girders, and packing means between the flange ends of said walls and the girders.

16. A structure as in claim 13 wherein said outer walls are formed by a flat core of rigid insulating material and a layer of plastic material on each side of the core.

17. A structure as in claim 13 wherein said outer walls are formed of precast concrete panels each provided with a horizontal flange at its lower edge, a concrete flooring, vertical pegs extending through said flange and sealed in the concrete flooring, and packing means between the walls and the flooring. 

1. A mesh-type framework and ceiling structure comprising a first plurality of plank sections which are aligned to form a first series of spaced parallel rows, a second plurality of plank sections aligned to form a second series of spaced parallel rows which are generally transverse to the first series of parallel rows of plank sections, the ends of adjacent planks of each of said first and second series of rows of planks being aligned and spaced apart from each other to form a gap at the respective intersections of the first and second rows of plank sections, a block fitted in a respective gap formed at a said intersection, and a respective tie member extending across selected ones of said first and second series of rows outside of the blocks that the respective tie rods cross, and means for holding said tie members to draw the planks together so that an end of a plank abuts the block in the gap adjacent to it to hold the planks of the respective rows and the blocks in the gaps of said rows in a tensioned condition.
 2. A structure as in claim 1 wherein each of the planks of said first and second series of planks are of the same length to form a square mesh type structure.
 3. A structure as in claim 1 wherein the plank sections are provided along at least one of their upper and lower edges with a longitudinal groove adapted to be engaged by the tie members.
 4. A structure as in claim 1 wherein said means for holding the tie members comprises a yielding plate member extending transversely across each end of each row and bearing against the outer surface of the plank sections of the outermost row perpendicular to the row considered and means securing the ends of the tie members to the plate members extending across the ends of the corresponding rows.
 5. A structure as in claim 1 wherein tie members extend across both the upper and lower surfaces of the planks.
 6. A structure as in claim 1 wherein said blocks are of a lesser height than the height of said planks.
 7. A structure as in claim 6 wherein said tie members extend across both the upper and lower surfaces of the planks on the outside of the upper and lower surfaces of the blocks.
 8. A structure as in claim 1 wherein the lower edges of selected plank sections are provided with longitudinal grooves adapted to receive the upper edges of partition members.
 9. A structure as in claim 1 further comprising means for covering the upper surface defined by the plank sections.
 10. A structure as in claim 8, said partition members having upper edges which engage said longitudinal grooves, and means for at leAst partially anchoring the lower edges of said partition members.
 11. A structure as in claim 10 further comprising a pair of spaced rail members secured to the ground between which the lower edges of said partition members are held fast.
 12. A structure as in claim 10 further comprising door and window casings secured to the partition members and doors and windows fitted in said casings.
 13. A structure as in claim 1 further comprising outer walls, and means for securing the upper portions of said outer walls to the ends of the tie members extending perpendicularly thereto.
 14. A structure as in claim 13 wherein said outer walls are formed of premanufactured panels one story high.
 15. A structure as in claim 13 wherein said outer walls are each provided with a horizontal lower flange end along its lower edge, means securing the upper ends of said walls to the tie members perpendicular to said walls, a ground slab incorporating outer girders, vertical pegs interconnecting the lower flange ends of the walls with the girders, and packing means between the flange ends of said walls and the girders.
 16. A structure as in claim 13 wherein said outer walls are formed by a flat core of rigid insulating material and a layer of plastic material on each side of the core.
 17. A structure as in claim 13 wherein said outer walls are formed of precast concrete panels each provided with a horizontal flange at its lower edge, a concrete flooring, vertical pegs extending through said flange and sealed in the concrete flooring, and packing means between the walls and the flooring. 